Posts

Posted on

The new Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet – open to intense driving pleasure

Striking shoulder line, classic soft top: the exterior
The designers went with the sleek lines of the Coupé for the styling of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet. The rear window is now flatter and emphasizes the sporty looks, as do the short overhangs and the long wraparound hood with power dome. With a length of 4,673 millimeters (15.3 ft), the new A5 Cabriolet is 47 millimeters (1.9 in) longer than the predecessor model.

The classic soft top fits perfectly and delivers outstanding aeroacoustics thanks to effective insulation. The new one-touch opening function makes operating the standard acoustic hood much easier: Just a quick pull of the switch is all it takes to open the soft top fully automatically in 15 seconds or close it in 18 seconds – even while driving up to 50 km/h (31.1 mph).

The front is dominated by a three-dimensional Singleframe grille which is much flatter and wider than before. The wave-shaped shoulder line – a hallmark styling feature of the entire A5 family – makes the A5 Cabriolet extremely elegant. The pronounced bulges over the wheel arches accentuate the quattro DNA. Horizontal lines at the rear emphasize the width of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet, which at the same time is slightly narrower than the predecessor.

The third brake light is elegantly integrated into the surrounding trim strip of the hood compartment cover. LED rear lights and optional LED or Matrix LED headlights with dynamic turn signals at the front and rear make high-end technology visible even after dark.

Strong package: the chassis
The wide track and the long wheelbase measuring 2,765 millimeters (108.9 in) are key features of the balanced, sporty suspension tuning. The track width is 1,587 millimeters (62.5 in) at the front and 1,568 millimeters (61.7 in) at the rear. An updated five-link suspension is used on the front axle. At the rear, a five-link construction replaces the trapezoidal-link suspension used on the previous model. Adaptive dampers are available as an option. They are incorporated into the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system and allow the driver to choose between a highly dynamic or comfortable driving experience. The newly developed electromechanical power steering offers good feedback from the road and greater steering precision. Optionally available is dynamic steering, which varies its gear ratio depending on the speed and steering angle.

Lighter and torsionally stiffer: the body
The body of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet is the stiffest in its class and yet is among the lightest in the segment. Thanks to a smart mix of materials and geometric lightweight design, the engineers have increased the good torsional stiffness of the predecessor model by another 40 percent. All of which makes the Cabriolet’s handling even more agile. The total weight of the new generation is reduced by up to 40 kilograms (88.2 lb). The front-wheel-drive A5 Cabriolet with the 190 hp 2.0 TDI weighs 1,690 kilograms (3725.8 lb).

Additional struts in the body compared with the Coupé and reinforced sills make up for the absence of a fixed roof. In the event of a crash and rollover, head-thorax side airbags and automatically extending aluminum profiles ensure the occupants’ safety.

Wide lineup: engines and drivetrain
There is initially a choice of three engines for the new Audi A5 Cabriolet in Germany – a 2.0 TFSI with 185 kW (252 hp), a 2.0 TDI with 140 kW (190 hp) and a 3.0 TDI with 160 kW (218 hp). Following the market introduction, a 2.0 TFSI with 140 kW (190 hp) and a 3.0 TDI with 210 kW (286 hp) will join the lineup. Compared with the previous model, the engines offer 

up to 17 percent more power while consuming as much as 22 percent less fuel. All the engines combine high efficiency with sporty power development and smooth running – especially the two 3.0 TDI six-cylinder engines.

Six-speed manual transmission, seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission or eight-speed tiptronic – tailor-made drivetrain technology is available for every engine version. The drive is provided as standard via the front wheels; quattro drive with ultra technology and permanent all-wheel drive are available as options. The latter comes as standard for the 3.0 TDI with 210 kW (286 hp).

The Audi S5 Cabriolet is moving into a whole new league with its newly developed 3.0 TFSI. From its 2,995 cc of displacement, the boosted six-cylinder engine produces 260 kW (354 hp) of power – 15 kW (21 hp) more than the engine in the previous model. The top model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 5.1 seconds, and on up to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph). It features quattro permanent all-wheel drive and the eight-speed tiptronic as standard.

Spacious and functional: the interior
The increased dimensions, the wheelbase extended by 14 millimeters (0.6 in) and more compact seats increase the space for the driver and passengers. The shoulder room in the front row of seats has been increased by 26 millimeters (1.0 in) and the kneeroom in the rear by 18 millimeters (0.7 in).

The horizontal architecture of the instrument panel and the continuous air vent strip create a generous sense of space. High-grade materials, different colors and excellent workmanship ensure a very special feel-good atmosphere and underscore the premium character. As an option the ambient lighting with 30 adjustable colors creates a fitting mood for the interior.

With the hood closed the luggage compartment has a capacity of 380 liters (13.4 cu ft). The soft top compartment in the luggage compartment automatically moves down when opening the soft top and up again when the soft top is closed, thus providing the largest possible luggage space at all times. The rear seat has a 50:50 split and can be easily folded forward using levers in the luggage compartment. As standard the tailgate on the A5 Cabriolet now opens automatically – using the remote control key or the button in the driver’s door. Audi also installs gesture control for the tailgate as an option: A proximity sensor in the bumper responds to a kicking movement with the foot – the tailgate opens automatically once the optional convenience key is detected.

Seat belt microphones as standard: operation made easy
Thanks to the all-new operating and display concept including natural language voice control and free-text search, the driver can control all functions effortlessly and intuitively. Standard seat belt microphones for driver and front passenger improve voice quality even with the hood open. As an alternative to the analog instrument dials, there is the Audi virtual cockpit with various display options. The large, high-resolution TFT monitor measuring 12.3 inches presents richly detailed graphics. The optional head-up display projects all relevant information onto the windshield in the driver’s direct field of vision as easily comprehensible symbols and digits, thus enabling the driver to keep their eyes on the road.

Top-class connectivity: infotainment and Audi connect
MMI navigation plus with MMI touch tops the infotainment range. Its 8.3-inch monitor has a resolution of 1,024 x 480 pixels. In addition to a DVD drive and a 10 GB flash memory, the high-end system also features two card readers, an AUX-IN connection and a USB connection with charging function.

An LTE module provides access to Audi connect online services – free of charge for three years. The first five map updates for the navigation system are also free of charge. The media hub also comes with a Wi-Fi hotspot which connects passengers’ mobile devices to the World Wide Web.

The Audi smartphone interface integrates iOS and Android cellphones in an environment specially developed for them in the MMI. The Audi phone box connects smartphones to the on-board antenna to provide superior reception quality. It also charges the smartphone inductively, without any wires, using the Qi standard. The Bang & Olufsen Sound System features innovative 3D sound and further improved bass thanks to a second woofer. It opens up the spatial dimension of height and gives the driver the sense of sitting in a concert hall. Its amplifier supplies 755 watts of power in total to 19 loudspeakers.

Abundant support: the driver assistance systems
With up to 30 driver assistance systems, the new Audi A5 Cabriolet offers a broad range of support. An intelligent combination of different technologies enhances safety, comfort and efficiency. Meanwhile Audi is also taking the next step toward piloted driving.

Playing a central role here is the adaptive cruise control (ACC) Stop&Go system including traffic jam assist. It relieves drivers in slow-moving traffic up to speeds of 65 km/h (40.4 mph) by assuming the tasks of braking and accelerating the car, and it also temporarily takes charge of steering on better roads. The predictive efficiency assistant evaluates GPS information from the car’s immediate surroundings and helps to save fuel by giving specific driving advice – a unique feature in this segment.

Collision avoidance assist intervenes if the car needs to drive around an obstacle to avoid an accident. Based on data from the front camera, ACC and radar sensors, it computes a recommended driving line within a fraction of a second. The lineup is rounded out by other assistance systems such as turn assist, park assist, rear cross traffic assist, exit warning, camera-based recognition of traffic signs, Audi active lane assist and Audi side assist.

Pampering program: the equipment
The Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet come with an especially wide range of equipment. Standard features include xenon headlights, the Audi drive select dynamic handling system and partial leather seats. Intuitive, ergonomic operation comes courtesy of the Audi MMI radio plus with 7-inch color display, seat belt microphones and the one-touch opening function for the soft top. The new lines concept with various equipment packages enhances the scope for individual design expression.

The new Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet will be in dealerships in Germany and other European countries in March 2017. The A5 Cabriolet starts at EUR 49,350. The price for the S5 Cabriolet is EUR 67,800.

Fuel consumption of the models named above

Audi A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic 185 kW:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.6 – 6.3 (35.6 – 37.3 US mpg)**;
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 151 – 144 (243.0 – 231.7 g/mi)**

Audi A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TDI S tronic 140 kW:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 4.7 – 4.5 (50.0 – 52.3 US mpg)**;
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 124 – 118 (199.6 – 189.9 g/mi)**

Audi A5 Cabriolet 3.0 TDI quattro S tronic 160 kW:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.2 – 4.9 (45.2 – 48.0 US mpg)**;
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 137 – 128 (220.5 – 206.0 g/mi)**

Audi S5 Cabriolet:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.8 – 7.7 (30.2 – 30.5 US mpg)**;
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 177 – 175 (284.9 – 281.6 g/mi)**

** Figures depend on the tire/wheel sets used

Posted on

Ducati's passion on show at Audi museum mobile

Ducati is renowned for its emotive motorbikes well outside of the Italian borders. Since July 2012, the tradition-rich Bologna-based brand with its sporty motorbikes is owned by the Audi Group. Right in time for the company’s 90-year anniversary, Audi museum mobile in Ingolstadt will dedicate a special exhibition to the Group’s Italian subsidiary.

The company was established in 1926 by the three brothers Adriano, Bruno and Marcello Cavalieri Ducati and in its early days didn’t produce motorcycles at all. For around twenty years, the Ducati family developed and manufactured condensers and components for radios, before they turned their focus to two-wheelers. As of March 1946, Ducati started producing the Cucciolo, a small auxiliary engine for bicycles. It helped the company to great success and led them into a new era. Around three years later, the first motorcycle rode off the production line: the Ducati 60. The special exhibition was created in cooperation with the Ducati Museum and traces the route of this extraordinary development. Besides exhibiting machines from the initial few years of the company, it also shows the beginnings of the company’s motorbike manufacturing. Among them is the Ducati Cruiser, an unusual and futuristic scooter which failed to meet with success and was thus rapidly discontinued.

“Passione Ducati” also shows the company’s successful classic bikes: among them, the first generation of the Scrambler from the 1960s, which counts as one of the big style icons even today. With its elegant shape, vivid colors and central seating position, it forms the ultimate connection between the American and European schools of motorcycle design.
Without a doubt, one of the most important milestones is the desmodromic valve control with which Ducati engineer Fabio Taglioni created a revolution in motorcycle construction. 1956 saw the arrival of the desmodromic valve control with three overhead camshafts driven by a vertical shaft in the Ducati 125 GP. The Desmo system developed into a typical unique selling point of the brand and even to the present day, it assures the unique sound of a Ducati. The 350 Mark 3D on show at the exhibition was the first Ducati to feature the Desmo system as standard. The model was a fine example of Italian design and is a hot favorite among collectors the world over. The same is true of the Ducati 750 GT: it was the first series-production model to feature a 90° V-twin engine and disc brakes.

Another important chapter in the company’s history is motorsport. At “Passione Ducati” in Audi museum mobile, this is a stand-alone part of the exhibition. The 500 GP from 1971 was the last motorbike with which Ducati took part in motorsport’s elite discipline. In 2003, the Italians made a come-back to MotoGP™ with the Desmosedici. Besides these two machines, visitors can look on in amazement at a total of twenty models from racing history. Highlights include the Ducati 750 Imola, motorbikes from the Tourist Trophy, a Ducati 916 from WorldSBK, Paolo Casoli’s Ducati 748 and four other MotoGP™ bikes, among which a prototype from 2002 and the model used in the 2016 season.

The special exhibition also shows the successes of the company’s younger history. The Monster saw Ducati land a coup in the 1990s. Designer Miguel Galluzzi took the idea of a blank canvas literally as he sketched the first “naked bike”. With over 300,000 units sold, the Monster is currently the most successful Ducati model ever. The superbikes from Bologna are also sensational: the Ducati 916 set new standards in the fields of light-weight construction, engine performance and design. It is seen as the masterpiece of Massimo Tamburini, who spent seven years working away on the design and who forwent development in a wind tunnel. The newest model in the exhibition is the 1299 Panigale S Anniversario*, a very special gift for the occasion of Ducati’s 90th anniversary. Limited to just 500 units, the Italian super sports bike pays homage to 90 years of passion and performance, with its 205 hp putting it at the very pinnacle of the company’s model history.

Posted on

Audi Motorsport Newsletter 40/2016

Audi’s partner Castrol visits Neuburg

Guests of Audi’s partner Castrol were treated to a very special adventure during their visit to the Audi driving experience center in Neuburg. The group of some 160 visitors met with DTM drivers Timo Scheider and Edoardo Mortara there who offered them opportunities to ride in the Audi R8 racing taxi. In addition, with guidance provided by Audi instructors, they took part in a driver safety training session and were taken on a tour of the Motorsport Competence Center.

International talents apply for 2017 Audi Sport TT Cup

The 2017 Audi Sport TT Cup is on the horizon. After the second season in Audi’s one-make cup has ended and the new champion, Joonas Lappalainen, has been determined, the international talent search for the coming year is already in full swing. More than 80 young talents from 18 countries have applied to date. “The quality of the applicants is very promising,” says Project Leader Philipp Mondelaers. “We have again received numerous international inquiries, including from Asia, Australia and the United States.” The first evaluation event in Groß Dölln has already taken place. It will be followed by others at the Audi Motorsport Competence Center in Neuburg an der Donau. For the session on November 26, openings are still available. The registration form for the 2017 Audi Sport TT Cup 2017 can be obtained online: http://www.audi-motorsport.com/de/en/tt-cup.html

A word from … Mike Rockenfeller

Mike Rockenfeller celebrates his 33rd birthday on Monday. Last Friday, he sat at the wheel of an Audi test car for the 2017 DTM season.

How did the test at Oschersleben go?

It was very interesting for me to drive for the first time the different tire compounds, which we can choose from in the 2017 season. The car was also not the same as the ones we drove at the season finale, but in fact a hybrid. It still wasn’t the final car for the 2017 season, but it had several things for next year. It was very intriguing to see how the tires and the car behaved. Oschersleben is also a good circuit where you can be hard on the material – this is very important at this stage because it involves testing the reliability of the new components and to release the parts for competition. In my opinion it was a very good test.

Is the DTM developing in the right direction?

Basically yes. The tire is certainly going in the right direction, if it comes like this. The car will also be more interesting. But the tire will make the biggest difference. Driving without pre-heated tires is also a new challenge in the DTM, which I already know from other racing series’ and that will make a big difference. There are many new challenges for next year, which in my opinion will ensure that the DTM evolves positively.

What’s it like to drive a DTM car without pre-heated tires?

It was obviously very cool at this time of year in Oschersleben. You have to be very cautious on the first lap out of the pits. On the other hand you have to push immediately in the race. The trick will be to find the balance between making no mistakes and not losing too much time.

After three years in an almost unchanged car there is plenty of development work on the agenda over the coming winter with the successor to the Audi RS 5 DTM. Are you looking forward to this?

Absolutely, this is an exciting phase. Since the omission of the option tire, there were actually no other changes in the DTM. During the winter it was just detail work. Now there is another big step and more room to maneuver. This is always interesting, because the driver will move more into the limelight in the DTM next year.

It is now official that only 18 instead of 24 cars will race in 2017. Do you view this point as negative as some of the media?

Not at all. Of course, every driver and every fan wants as many cars as possible on the grid. But I think the focus in the races is anyway on the top third. It’s crucial that the races are exciting with many overtaking maneuvers and the cars are fascinating. And in these aspects the DTM is on the right path.

Coming up next week

31/10 Mike Rockenfeller 33rd birthday
04–06/11 Shanghai (CN), round 8, WEC
05–06/11 Barcelona (E), races 13 and 14, GT Open
05–06/11 Estoril (P), round 7, V de V Endurance Series
04–05/11 Shanghai (CN), races 11 and 12, Audi R8 LMS Cup

– End –

Posted on

FIA WEC to race in Audi’s largest market

In addition to di Grassi/Duval/Jarvis, Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer (CH/D/F) will be attacking for Audi. The trio, in 2013, clinched Audi’s only victory at Shanghai to date. The 5.451-kilometer track features some extreme sections. Two helical turns are unique and two long straights call for good top speed. The other cornering radii range from three turns being driven in first gear to fast bends which the drivers tackle in fourth or fifth gear.

For Audi, China including Hong Kong is the largest single market anywhere in the world. Last year, Audi delivered 571,000 automobiles there. In the first three quarters of 2016, the brand increased its deliveries by 6.2 percent compared to the same period of the previous year.

In addition to the FIA WEC, local fans can look forward to being treated to another great racing event. As part of the supporting program at Shanghai, the Audi R8 LMS Cup will take place on the same weekend, Audi’s first one-make cup holding its two final rounds there. The top five drivers in the standings still have chances of winning the title.

The 6 Hours of Shanghai race will start on Sunday, November 6, at 11:00 local time (04:00 CET). On its German website, Eurosport will be offering free video live streaming for the entire race and live TV coverage of the final stage (08:30 to 10:15 CET) on Eurosport 1. Audi is going to keep its fans up to speed on Facebook (AudiSport) and Twitter (@audisport).

Standings after seven of nine rounds

Drivers’ standings

1 Jani/Lieb/Dumas (Porsche), 140 points                                                

2 Conway/Kobayashi/Sarrazin (Toyota), 117 points                         

3 Di Grassi/Duval/Jarvis (Audi), 111.5 points                                         

4 Bernhard/Hartley/Webber (Porsche), 93.5 points

5 Fässler/Lotterer (Audi), 78 points

6 Imperatori/Kraihamer/Tuscher (Rebellion), 60 points

7 Lapierre/Menezes/Richelmi (Alpine-Nissan), 46 points

8 Tréluyer (Audi), 44 points

Manufacturers’ standings

1 Porsche, 263 points

2 Audi, 204 points

3 Toyota, 174 points

– End –

Posted on

Audi Group: Special items weigh on third quarter

“The conditions our company faces are currently very challenging,” remarked Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “Nevertheless, we have achieved further growth since the start of the year.” He interpreted this as evidence of the Audi brand’s high appeal. “We have an attractive model portfolio that we will strengthen further with future new products. Our strategic plan is in place. The task for our strong Audi team now is to implement it systematically.”

From January through September, the Audi Group delivered 1,408,783 (2015: 1,347,883) cars of its core brand to customers, 4.5 percent more than in the prior‑year period. The brand increased its unit sales in all three key sales regions – Europe, China and the United States. Revenue rose slightly to € 44,017 (2015: 43,695) million.

Burdened by special items amounting to € 885 million, operating profit for the Audi Group at the end of the third quarter came to € 3,033 (2015: 4,024) million and the operating return on sales reached 6.9 (2015: 9.2) percent. The special items include € 752 million in risk provisioning to tackle the V6 3.0 TDI diesel issue. There are also special items amounting to € 133 million in connection with potentially faulty airbags made by Takata.

Before special items, the operating profit came to € 3,918 (2015: 4,024) million and the operating return on sales to 8.9 (2015: 9.2) percent after the third quarter. These key financial figures reflect the operating activities of the Audi Group. In addition to currency effects, the fall compared with the prior‑year period above all reveals the expansion of the model and technology portfolio, along with the international manufacturing structures, in the form of higher depreciation and amortization.

“Our model and technology pipeline is well filled,” commented Axel Strotbek, Member of the Board of Management for Finance and IT at AUDI AG. “Now that our new Mexican plant has opened, we will start to ramp up production there. In Ingolstadt, the Q2 and the new A5 family are on the starting blocks.” With the next generation of the Neckarsulm‑built A8, Audi intends to make the transition from partially to highly automated driving. In 2018, the brand is planning the market introduction of its first all‑electric‑drive SUV with a range of more than 500 kilometers (310.7 mi). “Our model initiative and technology shift require us to increase efficiency and flexibility throughout the entire company and set clear priorities for our capital investments,” explained Strotbek.

The Audi Group posted a profit before tax of € 2,839 (2015: 4,249) million in the first three quarters; profit after tax came to € 2,158 (2015: 3,284) million.

The brand with the Four Rings delivered 455,613 (2015: 445,611) cars to customers in the period from July through September 2016. Over that period, the Audi Group generated revenue amounting to € 13,883 (2015: 13,911) million. Audi increased the risk provisioning items for technical measures, legal risks and sales measures in connection with the V6 3.0 TDI diesel issue by € 620 million in the third quarter. The operating profit is € 632 (2015: 1,110) million and the operating return on sales 4.6 (2015: 8.0) percent.  Before special items, the operating profit is € 1,252 (2015: 1,110) million and the operating return on sales 9.0 (2015: 8.0) percent.

With the publication of the Third Quarter Report, the Audi Group to some extent adjusts the forecast for its key performance indicators for the full year. Essentially as a result of altered exchange rate assumptions, the company now expects revenue to be on the level of the previous year. For the operating return on sales, which is adversely affected by special items that can only be planned and controlled to a limited extent, the premium manufacturer now expects a figure well below the strategic target corridor of eight to ten percent. Before special items, the forecast of an operating return on sales within this corridor remains valid. With regard to the return on investment, Audi adjusts its forecast to a figure below 16 percent to take account of special items. However, this figure is expected to remain above the minimum required rate of return of nine percent.

Download Audi Quarterly Report:
www.audi.com/quarterly-report2016_q3